If you like it, save it!

If you like something…

Every week we get Down & Dirty, in which we break down our favorite unique seasonal fruits, vegetables, and more.

Golden raspberries might be paler than their red counterparts, but they are just as delicious (and sometimes even sweeter!). We've got ideas for making the most of their stunning hue all week long.

Advertisement

Did you know that all raspberries used to be this pale? Well, according to legend anyway. Baby Zeus’ nursemaid went to pick a raspberry to soothe the crying infant, but she pricked her finger on one of the plant’s thorns, drawing blood and staining raspberries red ever since. (For you scientists out there: golden raspberries' color could also be due to recessive genes. We'll let you decide.)

Despite their name, golden raspberries aren’t actually berries (but avocados are!). They are aggregate fruits, made up of lots of tiny individual drupes (other drupes include green almonds, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries) called druplets (1). Keep your eye out for golden raspberries at your farmers market or grocery store from now till autumn. They might also be labeled white or yellow raspberries, but we're partial to the golden moniker since it has its own award.

Raspberries are fragile, and just like strawberries, if you see red splotches on the bottom of their container, they are overripe. With their short shelf life, you’ll want to make sure you keep your berries fresh for longer by washing them ahead of time in a solution of vinegar and water.

Golden raspberries can of course be used any place you’d use red raspberries -- or other berries. Just aim for applications that highlight their subtle color. They would create a stunning jam, but wouldn’t have the same visual impact in a muffin (though they would be just as tasty). Use them all week long in beverages, desserts, and even in a sauce for steak! (See Tuesday, below.) What are your favorite ways to enjoy golden raspberries?